August 06, 2011

Apologetics: I don't have enough faith to be an atheist by Geisler & Turek

Today I'm adding 'I don't have enough faith to be an atheist' by Norman L. Geisler and Frank Turek (Available from Amazon) to the Master Reading List under the category of Apologetics.

Apologetics is a defence of the Christian faith - usually against atheistic arguments.  And the need for apologetics has never been greater.  Atheism is gaining more prominence all the time with popular atheist authors (e.g. Dawkins, Hitchins, Harris) and the secular press regularly attacking Christianity.  But thankfully there is no shortage of apologetic titles available to Christians who wish to articulate the rationality of their beliefs.  And I think one of the best apologetic books has to be 'I don't have enough faith to be an atheist'.

The first two chapters of the book are basically an attack on post-modernism's denial that truth exists.  This denial of truth is quickly dispensed with by authors' 'road runner tactic': 'no truth claims' are themselves 'truth claims' and thus logically self-defeating.

Then once it is established that truth exists, the authors examine the logical 'proofs' for the existence of God:
(i) the cosmological argument;
(ii) the teleological argument (here a critique of Darwinism is included);
(iii) the moral argument.

And now that a good case for the existence of God has been made, miracles are obviously possible and would confirm a message from God.  The authors then posit that God has indeed spoken, and it is through the historically reliable New Testament.  The rest of the book then examines whether the truth claims of Christianity are logically sound.

The book is long and may be intimidating to some, but is actually easy to read.  And I believe its solid structure is what holds the book nicely together and sets it apart from other apologetic books.  The gradual move from establishing that there is truth to establishing that there is a God and that this God has revealed himself in the Bible, allows you to witness a slow crumbling of the foundations of all other world-views.

If you are a Christian, this book will give you assurance that you are following the most rational world-view - that is, if you leave Christianity you will need more faith because there is less evidence for any other world-view.  And if you're not a Christian, this book should at the very least give you significant food for thought.

July 30, 2011

Evangelism: The gospel and personal evangelism by Dever

Today I'm adding 'The gospel and personal evangelism' by Mark Dever to the Master Reading List under the category of Evangelism (Available from Amazon).

Evangelism is the sharing of the 'evangel' - the good news that Jesus died for sinners.  But most Christians struggle to tell this good news to others.  If that is you, then Dever's book is just what you need.

Each of the book's seven chapters answer a pertinent question regarding evangelism:
(i) Why don't we evangelize? (difference excuses are listed and how to overcome them);
(ii) What is the gospel? (what it is not and what it is);
(iii) Who should evangelize? (everyone);
(iv) How should we evangelize? (honestly, urgently, joyously, prayerfully, Biblically, clearly, reflectively, with a church);
(v) What isn't evangelism? (imposition, testimonies, social action, apologetics, conversions);
(vi) What should we do after we evangelize? (bring them to church);
(vii) Why should we evangelize? (because of obedience and love).

The book is easy to read and well structured.  The book is also enjoyable to read, partly because scattered amongst the solid Biblical teachings are helpful illustrations of evangelism from Dever's own work and the work of others.

The good news we have as Christians is simply too good not to be shared.  So if you struggle to do the work of an evangelist, obtain Dever's book and start proclaiming the gospel today.

July 23, 2011

Reformed theology: The Reformed doctrine of predestination by Boettner

Today I'm adding 'The Reformed doctrine of predestination' by Loraine Boettner to the Master Reading List under the category of Reformed theology (Available from Amazon).

Some people avoid labels for their beliefs and this includes Christians. They will particularly avoid labels for various understandings of Christian theology.  But without labels, every time you want to explain your theological framework you need to launch into a lengthy discussion.  But if you use terms (e.g. orthodox, liberal, reformed and evangelical) much can be conveyed immediately.

The Reformed label for a particular understanding of Christian theology has seen a resurgence in recent decades.  But exactly what is Reformed theology?  Basically it is the understanding that God is sovereign in the salvation of man (i.e. every Christian was predestined to be a Christian long before they lived).  And it is called Reformed because it was a key teaching of the Reformation.  Of course the Reformers taught much more than predestination, but believing in God's complete sovereignty in salvation is essential if one wishes to call themselves Reformed.

So what is entailed in the Reformed doctrine of predestination?  Boettner's book is an old but helpful defense of the Reformed doctrine of Predestination.  Initially in the book Boettner asserts key doctrines concerning God's planning, sovereignty, providence and foreknowledge.  Then he moves on to teach the five points of Calvinism:
(i) Total inability/depravity;
(ii) Unconditional election;
(iii) Limited atonement;
(iv) Efficacious/Irresistible grace;
(v) Perseverance of the saints.

Then Boettner answers common objections against Reformed doctrine:
(i) it is fatalism;
(ii) it is illogical;
(iii) it makes God the author of sin;
(iv) it discourages motivation to exertion;
(v) it represents God as unjustly partial;
(vi) it is unfavourable to good morality;
(vii) it precedes a sincere offer of the gospel;
(viii) it contradicts the universalistic Scripture passages.

Next Boettner teaches about other relevant issues including the harmony of Reformed doctrine with science and Islam.  The book then closes with a quick review of Calvinism in church history.

My only problem with the book is that it briefly promotes post-millennial eschatology and seems to be ignorant of Reformed Baptists.

Nevertheless, if you are trying to understand what exactly is Reformed theology, Boettner's book is an excellent and convincing treatment of the subject.

July 09, 2011

Sex: Sex is not the problem (lust is) by Harris

Today I'm adding 'Sex is not the problem (lust is)' by Joshua Harris to the Master Reading List under the category of Sex (Available from Amazon).

Sexual immorality is a huge problem in our culture.  And Christians are not free from this favourite technique of Satan for ensnaring people in sin.  Not surprisingly then, Harris' book is just one among many Christian books on sex.  But what makes his different is that he calls attention to the fact that sex is not the problem, lust is.  Thus in his second chapter Harris rightly shows that the sex drive is a good drive to drive us in a healthy direction toward the opposite sex - a strong desire to have sex is not wrong.  But lust is wrong.  What is lust?  'Lust is an idolatrous and ultimately insatiable desire that rejects God's rule and seeks satisfaction apart from Him.'

And once Harris has established that lust is clearly the problem, he spends the rest of the book equipping the Christian soldier in their battle against lust.  The most important chapter is chapter three which shares the gospel with the reader - as without a correct understanding of the gospel you will never come close to conquering the sin of lust.  Then chapters follow on:
- identifying when you are most vulnerable to lust so you can address those times (e.g. time of day, in front of the internet);
- how men and women can help each other in the struggle;
- masturbation (don't do it, it's self-centred sex);
- the media (primarily television);
- accountability partners;
- common lies you feed yourself about lust and their Scriptural antidotes (e.g. I can't control my sex drive; porn won't affect me);
- encouragement to work on spiritual disciplines in general (e.g. prayer, scripture, local church);
- the internet.

The book is well written and contains many illustrations throughout, both from Harris' own experience and the experiences of others.

If you want to get serious about sexual immorality in your life, you must start by conquering lust.  And Harris' book is a most helpful weapon against it.

July 02, 2011

Husbands: Sex, romance, and the glory of God by Mahaney

Today I'm adding 'Sex, romance, and the glory of God' by CJ Mahaney to the Master Reading List under the category of Husbands (Available from Amazon).

When it comes to the subject of sex, Christians can often overreact to the sinful prominence that sex has in our Western culture.  Christians often end up not talking about sex at all, or at least not very often.  But we must remember that God did invent sex and gave us clear guidelines on how we can glorify God through having sex.  And Mahaney's book helpfully encourages husbands (and wives) to enjoy their marital sexual relationship, not shy away from it. 

In his first chapter Mahaney shows the reader that great sex gives glory to God as it is the inheritance of every Christian couple.  This comes through a brief exposition of the Old Testament book, Song of Solomon.  The second chapter then explains that sex promotes the purpose of marriage which is to reflect the close relationship between Christ and the church.  The next few chapters then give counsel on how to have great sex with your wife by positive interaction with your wife outside the bedroom.  This includes learning about her, leading her, loving her, romancing her and speaking with her.  Chapter six then speaks about sex itself.  The final chapter is on the enduring power of a covenant of love that you have with your wife (there is also an excellent appendix from Mahaney's wife to Christian wives - almost worth the price of the book!).

Although the book speaks about a delicate subject, it is in no way crude.  It is evident that Mahaney really loves his Lord and really loves his wife.  And by writing the book he wants to show his brothers how to really love their wives and really love the Lord too.

June 25, 2011

Death of children: Safe in the arms of God by Macarthur

Today I'm adding 'Safe in the arms of God' by John Macarthur to the Master Reading List under the category of Death of children (Available from Amazon).

The presence of death in the world is the result of human sin.  Yet we know that the Scriptures give hope to dying man - there is salvation through repentance and trust in Jesus' death for your sins.  But is the heavenly hope a reality for children (and adults) who, simply due to an intellectual inability, have never been able to comprehend their sinfulness and the message of the gospel?

John Macarthur tackles this important question in his small book 'Safe in the arms of God' by affirming that such people instantly go to heaven.  And this is not simply Macarthur's opinion.  It is backed by Biblical evidence. 

In an initial chapter Macarthur carefully teaches that God knows and loves every child.  He then shows that God regards children as innocents (using proof texts from Ezekiel, Jonah, Jeremiah) until they reach an age of moral culpability.  He also describes heaven and answers the question of whether you will know your child in heaven.  The book then ends with wise counsel on why God allows children to die and how to minister to those grieving the loss of a child.

All Christians should be prepared for the day when they, or someone close to them, may lose a child.  This book will help prepare you for that day so that you may be able to respond Biblically to God's decision to take away the child.


June 17, 2011

Abortion: Abortion by Peter Barnes

Today I'm adding 'Abortion' by Peter Barnes to the Master Reading List under the category of Abortion (Available from Amazon).

Originally published as 'Open your mouth for the dumb', this small booklet was revised by Barnes in 2010.

The booklet has five small chapters.  The first chapter describes the current cultural climate concerning abortion by providing descriptions of the procedure and abortion statistics.  The second chapter looks at the secular philosophy and ethics that permit the practice of abortion.  Chapter three shows that the teaching of the Bible is firmly against abortion. Chapter four gives a confronting analysis on the damage of abortion to society, particularly to women.  Chapter five provides concluding remarks on issues such as rape, the severely disabled and infanticide.

This booklet is evenly written and carefully researched. Though small, it packs a powerful punch. 

If you wish to stand up for the unborn, this book will give you the material and impetus to open your mouth for the dumb.

June 11, 2011

Homosexuality: Straight and narrow by Schmidt

Today I'm adding 'Straight and narrow' by Thomas E. Schmidt to the Master Reading List under the category of Homosexuality (Available from Amazon).

In our current climate, affirming homosexual behaviour as sinful is not the easiest thing to do.  Yet Schmidt takes the task in hand and completes it faithfully and sensitively in his book.

Firstly, Schmidt introduces himself in Chapter 1 in an effort to build some form of rapport with the reader.  Chapter 2 then looks at the falseness of the two common arguments for homosexuality (the Bible does not condemn it; or the Bible's condemnation should be qualified).  Then Chapters 3, 4 and 5 give a solid exposition of the Biblical passages concerning right sexual behaviour and homosexuality.  Chapter 6 is an unpleasant chapter outlining the toll that homosexual behaviour takes upon the human body.  Chapter 7 looks at the debate whether homosexuals are born, made or both.  The book then closes with a chapter of summary statements and practical advice for Christians attempting to help homosexuals.

My only concern is that the book is a little dated (published 1995) and so a good proportion of the statistical data given in Chapter 6 is no doubt behind the times.  But apart from that, the book is a faithful treatment of the difficult issue.

If you are trying to help those caught in the sin of homosexually or struggle with the sin yourself, 'Straight and narrow' is a valuable resource.

June 04, 2011

Wives: Feminine appeal by Carolyn Mahaney

Today I'm adding 'Feminine appeal' by Carolyn Mahaney to the Master Reading List under the category of Wives (Available from Amazon).

When you walk into a Christian book store it is kind of surprising that many more books have been written specifically for women than men.  The female market is certainly saturated.  This can be a good thing but it also means it is hard to know which books for women are worth reading. 

The book for Christian wives and mothers that I most recommend is 'Feminine Appeal' by Carolyn Mahaney.

The whole book revolves around Paul's teaching to women in Titus toward older women: 'In this way they will train the younger women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be self-controlled, pure, fulfilling their duties at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the message of God may not be discredited' (Titus 2:4-5). 

Thus Mahaney draws out seven virtues from the verse for women and devotes a chapter to each:
(i) the delight of loving my husband;
(ii) the blessings of loving my children;
(iii) the safety of self-control;
(iv) the pleasure of purity;
(v) the honor of working at home;
(vi) the rewards of kindness;
(vii) the beauty of submission.

The book is theologically sound and well-written.  It is also easy to read as it is filled with helpful illustrations and practical tips on how to implement the virtues into your life.  The last chapter even serves to give a mini biography of a woman dear to Carolyn Mahaney herself, her mother.  Carolyn's mother is thus held up as a wonderful example for women to follow.

If you are a younger woman who wants to be taught by an older woman how to live God's way, then adopt Carolyn Mahaney as your temporary mother and learn from her in the pages of this book.



May 27, 2011

Courting: Boy meets girl by Harris

Today I'm adding 'Boy meets girl' by Joshua Harris to the Master Reading List under the category of Courting (Available from Amazon).

Most of us can sympathise with the book of Proverbs when it says: 'There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a maiden' (Proverbs 30:18-19).  Romantic relationships are indeed complicated and usually surpass our understanding.  Particularly when they involve our own pursuit of a spouse. 

But Joshua Harris is here to help as he wades into the difficult subject and teaches us the basics of Christian courting.  In the first part of 'Boy meets girl' we are taught what is:
(i) purposeful romance (the relationship should have marriage as its goal);
(ii) wise romance (not just romantic feelings);
(iii) a right decision about who to marry and when.

Then in the second part of the book Harris gives counsel to those courting on:
(i) growing as friends;
(ii) communication;
(iii) the roles of men and women;
(iv) involving your local church in your courtship;
(v) maintaining sexual purity.

The third part suggests items that should be discussed before the marriage, including past sexual sin.

Overall, the book gives much wise counsel for would-be husbands and wives.  Not only that, the book is easy to read and interspersed with helpful (and often entertaining!) illustrations.

If you want to understand the way a man should behave with the maiden he wants to marry, Harris is a most helpful guide.